My capstone project focuses on homelessness in Sacramento, California, with particular attention to the intersection of housing instability, substance use disorders, and behavioral health access. Given both the scope and complexity of this issue, it is not enough to design an evidence-informed intervention alone; a thoughtful evaluation process is also necessary to determine whether the program meaningfully improves service coordination, access, and participant outcomes. A clearly defined evaluation plan further supports accountability, ethical practice, and ongoing improvement within human services settings (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], n.d.).
Evaluation Methods and Measurement Tools
To evaluate the proposed program, a mixed-methods approach will be used, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. This approach is particularly appropriate for homelessness interventions, as it allows the program to track concrete service outcomes while also capturing participant experiences that would otherwise be missed (Community Toolbox, n.d.).
Quantitative data will be collected through standardized intake and follow-up assessment tools, referral tracking logs, and service utilization records. These tools will measure indicators such as completion of housing and behavioral health screenings, successful linkage to services, appointment follow-through, and changes in emergency department utilization over time. Each of these indicators aligns directly with the goals and objectives developed in Module Four and reflects outcome measures commonly used in evidence-based homelessness interventions (Fazel et al., 2014; Sacramento Steps Forward, 2022).
To complement these measures, qualitative data will be gathered through participant satisfaction surveys and structured feedback forms administered at key program milestones. These tools will assess participants perceptions of accessibility, cultural responsiveness, respect, and overall engagement with services. Incorporating participant voice into the evaluation process is especially important when working with individuals experiencing homelessness, as it supports trauma-informed practice and provides insight into perceived barriers and strengths of service delivery (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2020).
Program staff will be responsible for collecting intake data, maintaining referral and follow-up records, and administering participant surveys. Having staff directly involved in the evaluation process supports consistency and accountability, while also allowing emerging patterns in service engagement to be identified more quickly (Community Toolbox, n.d.).
Rationale for Data Collection
The selection of evaluation measures was informed by findings from the literature review and needs analysis completed in Milestone Three. Research consistently demonstrates that individuals experiencing homelessness often encounter fragmented systems of care and disproportionately rely on emergency departments when access to coordinated housing and behavioral health services is limited (Fields et al., 2025; Fazel et al., 2014). For this reason, tracking service linkage rates, continuity of care, and emergency department utilization offers practical and meaningful indicators of whether the proposed program is addressing documented service gaps.
Participant-reported outcomes were intentionally included to support a client-centered evaluation framework. Because individuals experiencing homelessness frequently face stigma, marginalization, and systemic inequities, voluntary feedback allows participants to share their perspectives in a way that respects autonomy and dignity. This approach aligns with best practices in culturally responsive and trauma-informed evaluation (SAMHSA, 2020).
Legal and Ethical Compliance
All evaluation activities will be conducted in accordance with applicable legal and ethical standards governing human services organizations. In alignment with the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) Ethical Standards, the evaluation will prioritize informed consent, confidentiality, and client self-determination (NOHS, 2015). Data collection methods will rely on routine service information and voluntary participant feedback, avoiding intrusive or coercive practices.
Given the prevalence of substance use disorders within the target population, evaluation procedures will remain compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements. Identifiable information will be limited to what is necessary for service coordination and securely maintained. Evaluation tools will also be implemented in culturally responsive and accessible ways, reflecting Sacramentos diverse population and the ethical considerations emphasized throughout Milestones One and Two (California Interagency Council on Homelessness, 2023).
Reflection and Professional Application
From my professional perspective, this process reinforced that evaluation is not simply a funding or compliance requirement, but a critical mechanism for improving service delivery and supporting system-level change. Thoughtful evaluation allows human services professionals to demonstrate program impact, identify service gaps, and make data-informed decisions that improve outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness (CDC, n.d.).
References
California Interagency Council on Homelessness. (2023). Statewide homelessness data integration report.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Program evaluation. https://www.cdc.gov/evaluation/
Community Toolbox. (n.d.). A framework for program evaluation. https://ctb.ku.edu/
Fazel, S., Geddes, J. R., & Kushel, M. (2014). The health of homeless people in high-income countries: Descriptive epidemiology, health consequences, and clinical and policy recommendations. The Lancet, 384(9953), 15291540.
Fields, J. D., Assaf, R. D., Nguyen, K. H., Platamone, C. C., Pottebaum, J. M., Giannola, J., & Kushel, M. B. (2025). Health care access and use among adults experiencing homelessness. JAMA Health Forum, 6(5), e250820.
National Organization for Human Services. (2015). Ethical standards for human services professionals.
Sacramento Steps Forward. (2022). 2022 point-in-time count: Homelessness in Sacramento County.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Behavioral health services for people who are homeless: Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 55. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.